‘Sometimes defeat lifts you up’: Simmons hopeful of Lahore revival

Can Bangladesh bounce back in Lahore from their heartbreaking 2-1 series defeat against the UAE?

Their recent form and overall record against Pakistan offer little hope ahead of the three-match T20I series at the Gaddafi Stadium, starting on May 28. Bangladesh have played 19 T20Is against Pakistan so far, losing 16 of them, including all three matches held in Pakistan.

However, Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons insists the team remains upbeat, saying morale is high despite the shock loss to the UAE. He believes defeats like that can sometimes inspire a turnaround.

"It was difficult to lose the series in the UAE, but sometimes it lifts you up. Our morale has been great, so we are hopeful that the result there will spark a response," Simmons said during Bangladesh's training session in Lahore on Monday evening.

"I think there's always a good chance of winning a series. People say Pakistan aren't playing well, but it's about what happens on the day. We've been working very hard to improve across all areas. Hopefully, we'll be better in this series."

With key pacers Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed sidelined due to injury, Simmons is counting on the remaining fast bowlers to step up.

"You always miss your senior seamers. We all saw how Fizz [Mustafizur] was bowling in the IPL. We'll miss him. But it's also a chance for someone else to step up. Let's hope one of the bowlers decides to take on that responsibility," he said.

Despite losing their two most experienced pacers, Bangladesh are still banking on their seamers to deliver in Pakistan. They struggled to control the UAE's big hitters last week, especially under the dewy Sharjah conditions. 

"Our bowling is usually our strong point in this format. But without Taskin and Fizz, it evens things out a bit," Simmons admitted.

He also welcomed new fast-bowling coach Shaun Tait, who joined the team in Lahore for his first assignment since signing a two-year deal. 

Simmons noted that both Tait and spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed bring valuable insights, having worked in the PSL for Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi, respectively.

"I think he [Tait] will be brilliant not just for the bowlers, but for the team overall. Mushy was involved in the PSL the whole time, so we'll get information from him as well and use that to make informed decisions," Simmons added.

The remaining two T20Is are scheduled for May 30 and June 1, also at the Gaddafi Stadium.